Yeonnam and Yeonhi-dong are easily my favorite neighborhoods these days. Why, you ask? Maybe it’s because the weather magically happens to be gorgeous every single time I visit. I mean, I even wrote a whole separate post dedicated just to Yeonhi-dong! (Click here if you’re curious~) Separated only by an overpass, Yeonnam-dong and Yeonhi-dong always give off this lush, breezy, and effortlessly relaxed vibe. You guys seriously need to check them out! 🤠
🧷 Quick Overview: Yeonnam & Yeonhui Matcha Map & Vibe
| Cafe Name | Main Specialty | Vibe / Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Philo & Sophia | Private Tea Pairing Course | Intimate, Weekend Reservations Only |
| Illusion Novel House | Matcha & Aesthetic Tea Treats | Cozy, Storybook-themed |
| Tanjeong | Whisked Matcha & Parfait Set | Serene, Traditional Pairings |
| Gold Ok Walnut Pastry | Organic Boseong Matcha Soft Serve | Quick Takeaway, Gift Shop |
| Kokorokara Yeonnam | Heavy Matcha Puddings & Cakes | Rich, Dense Dessert Jar |
| Long Vacation | 100% Uji Matcha Pudding & Roll Cake | Minimalist, Sunlit Cafe |
| Dongdong Teahouse | Dark Shizuoka Matcha & Panna Cotta | Teahouse with Rooftop Seating |
| Sweet Hertz | Matcha Basque Cheesecake | Cute, Dessert-focused |
| Ocha Yeonnam | Pu-erh Tea & Seasonal Tea Bingsu | Earthy, Refreshing Iced Teas |
| Podam Teahouse | Taiwanese Loose-Leaf Tea Tastings | Beginner-friendly, Leaf & Teaware Shop |
⬇️ 10 Best Matcha Spots in Yeonnam & Yeonhui
1. Philo & Sophia (필로앤소피아)
- Best for: Private Tea Pairing Course, Quiet Tea Tasting
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, Donggyo-ro 45-gil, 15
Philo & Sophia operates on a walk-in basis during weekdays. Weekends are strictly reservation-only. Their weekend tea course runs for 3 full hours. It features a curated tasting of 4 distinct teas and 4 matching seasonal tea treats made in-house.
- Must-Try: Weekend 4-Tea & Treat Course
- Vibe: Intimate, peaceful, private tea room setup.
- Tip: Weekend time slots run at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 7 PM. Only one group (1 to 4 people max) is booked per session, so reserve well in advance.
2. Illusion Novel House (환상소설집)
- Best for: Aesthetic Tea Treats, Cozy Reading Vibe
- Address: Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Jeungga-ro, 49-1
Illusion Novel House is a cozy, storybook-themed space known for its cute presentation. They serve rich green tea lattes and milk teas. Their tea snacks stand out for both their unique plating and solid flavor.
- Must-Try: Matcha Latte, Seasonal Tea Snack Plate
- Vibe: Charming, quiet, literary cafe atmosphere.
- Tip: Great spot to relax with a book while sipping on a cold green tea.
3. Tanjeong (탄정)
- Best for: Traditional Whisked Matcha, Parfait & Tea Pairings
- Address: 8-8 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Tanjeong focuses on traditional green tea set menus. They offer pure whisked Kyoto matcha served alongside traditional Korean tea sweets. They also serve modern items like matcha affogatos, rich matcha puddings, and seasonal parfait tea flights.
- Must-Try: Whisked Matcha & Tea Sweet Set, Seasonal Parfait Tea Flight
- Vibe: Serene, modern traditional, slow-paced.
- Tip: Order the seasonal tea flight if you want to sample different tea profiles with sweet pairings.
4. Gold Ok Walnut Pastry Yeonhui (금옥호두과자 연희)
- Best for: Organic Matcha Soft Serve, Traditional Walnut Cakes
- Address: Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Yeonhuimat-ro, 23 1층 6호
Famous for high-end Korean walnut cakes (Hodu-gwaja) sold in gift boxes, this spot is also a hidden favorite for green tea lovers. They serve rich soft-serve ice cream made with 100% organic Boseong matcha.
- Must-Try: Organic Boseong Matcha Ice Cream, Premium Walnut Cake Box
- Vibe: Clean, modern traditional takeaway & gift shop.
- Tip: Pair the cold matcha soft serve with warm, freshly baked walnut cakes for a solid contrast.
5. Kokorokara Yeonnam (코코로카라 연남)
- Best for: Ultra-Dense Matcha Puddings & Cakes
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, 1길 41
Kokorokara is a haven for heavy dessert lovers. Known for their signature cake-style “puddings” packed in jars, their matcha options are thick, dark green, and loaded with rich cream, crumbs, and fillings.
- Must-Try: Matcha Pudding, Matcha Affogato
- Vibe: Cute, retro, dessert-focused.
- Tip: The puddings here are dense and filling. They are perfect for sharing or taking back to your hotel.
6. Long Vacation (롱베케이션)
- Best for: 100% Uji Matcha Puddings, Roll Cakes
- Address: 33-10 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Long Vacation uses 100% Kyoto Uji matcha for all their green tea drinks and desserts. Their silky matcha pudding and light, cream-filled matcha roll cake are the main draws here.
- Must-Try: Uji Matcha Pudding, Matcha Roll Cake, Uji Matcha Latte
- Vibe: Laid-back, sunny, minimalist neighborhood cafe.
- Tip: The silky pudding sells out quickly on weekends. Aim for an early afternoon visit.
7. Dongdong Teahouse (동동찻집)
- Best for: Deep Shizuoka Matcha, Panna Cotta, Rooftop Views
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, 390-65 3층
Located in central Yeonnam-dong, Dongdong Teahouse specializes in deep, dark green matcha sourced from Shizuoka, Japan. Their signature menu item is a silky matcha panna cotta served with rich green tea syrup.
- Must-Try: Shizuoka Dark Matcha Latte, Matcha Panna Cotta
- Vibe: Relaxed teahouse with open rooftop seating.
- Tip: Grab a seat on the rooftop terrace during sunny afternoons for park views.
8. Sweet Hertz (스윗헤르츠)
- Best for: Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Hojicha Drinks
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Donggyo-ro 34-gil, 3 2층
Sweet Hertz is famous for its creative line of green tea and hojicha (roasted green tea) baked goods. Their dense, bittersweet Matcha Basque Cheesecake and smooth matcha pudding are highly recommended by local regulars.
- Must-Try: Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Matcha Cream Pudding
- Vibe: Cute, colorful, cozy dessert shop.
- Tip: If you prefer less bitter notes, try their Hojicha latte alongside the matcha cheesecake.
9. UHCHA Yeonnam (어차 연남점)
- Best for: Pu-erh Tea, Unique Seasonal Tea Shaved Ice
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yanghwa-ro 23-gil, 20 3층
Ocha focuses heavily on traditional Pu-erh tea and loose-leaf brews. Beyond standard teaware, they are famous for creative seasonal iced desserts, including Pu-erh Lemon Bingsu and Sweet Melon Osmanthus Oolong Bingsu.
- Must-Try: Pu-erh Lemon Bingsu, Aged Pu-erh Tea Flight
- Vibe: Earthy, aromatic, traditional teahouse.
- Tip: A great reset spot if you want clear, light tea profiles without heavy milk or sugar.
10. Kiernan’s tea house (포담 티하우스)
- Best for: Taiwanese Tea Tastings, Teaware & Leaf Shopping
- Address: 223-111 Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Podam Teahouse offers a guided tea experience centered around Taiwanese loose-leaf teas. Staff members provide helpful explanations for beginners, offer free tastings, and help you select tea leaves or teaware to take home.
- Must-Try: Taiwanese Oolong Tasting Flight
- Vibe: Educational, clean, welcoming to tea beginners.
- Tip: Perfect place to pick up quality loose-leaf tea bags or handmade teacups as souvenirs.
How to Get Around Yeonnam & Yeonhui Matcha Cafe Spots
- Subway Access: Take Seoul Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, or AREX to Hongik University Station (Exit 3).
- Best Route: Walk straight down the Yeonnam-dong central park path (Gyeongui Line Forest Park) for spots like Kokorokara, Dongdong Teahouse, and Long Vacation. Cross over northern Seongmisan-ro to hit Yeonhui-dong tea houses like Philo & Sophia and Tanjeong.